Special Needs Identification Program

NEWTON, NC (May 1, 2018)—The Newton Police Department is offering a voluntary Special Needs Identification Program that will alert officers when they interact with people who may have special needs.

The program is designed for citizens who have medical conditions or disabilities that officers need to know about when interacting with those citizens. Anyone may sign up for the program by visiting the Newton Police Department at 411 North Main Ave. Participants will be asked to complete a form indicating their name, address, and any special needs they have or medications they take.

Information collected from participants will be stored at a secure location within the Newton Police Department. Once registered, participants will be issued a silicone wristband and an identification card that will allow officers to scan a secure QR code to gain immediate access to information about the participant’s special needs.

“The Newton Police Department is dedicated to serving all of the citizens of Newton,” Newton Police Chief Don Brown said. “There are some situations where a person with special needs may be unable to communicate with our officers during tense circumstances. Registering for this program and wearing the designated wristband will give our officers an immediate heads-up that the person is registered with our Special Needs Identification Program and that information about their needs is on file with the police department.”

For more information, contact the Newton Police Department at 828-465-7430.